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One of the most dramatic matches of the FIFA World Cup took place on Tuesday afternoon at Atlanta Stadium.
After the World Cup semi-final next week, the stadium will lose its tournament identity. Mercedes-Benz Stadium will get its name back and the natural turf installed for the tournament will give way to the artificial turf used for Falcons games before Atlanta hosts the Denver Broncos in a preseason game next month.
As the retractable-roof stadium continues to host World Cup-related drama, its regular tenant knows all too well what it means to be at the center of football heartbreak.
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Lionel Messi (10) of Argentina celebrates with his teammates after the 3-2 victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 7, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Patrick Smith – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
More than nine years ago, Tom Brady staged one of the greatest comebacks in NFL history, rallying the New England Patriots from a 28-3 deficit to defeat the Falcons in overtime in Super Bowl LI.
Moments after Lionel Messi equalized in the 83rd minute to erase Argentina’s two-goal deficit against Egypt, Enzo Fernández completed the comeback with a header as the final minutes ticked down. Brady then took to social media, making a comparison to the Patriots’ 2017 comeback.
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after winning Super Bowl LI against the Atlanta Falcons at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Kevin Jairaj/Imagn Images)
“Yeah, so it could be top 28-3,” the seven-time Super Bowl winner wrote on X, adding a wow emoji.
Egypt were first into the game on Tuesday afternoon, thanks to Yasser Ibrahim’s goal in the 15th minute. Teammate Mostafa Zico followed with a score in the 67th to extend Egypt’s lead to 2-0.
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Messi helped Argentina win their first World Cup title in four years, beating France in a final that was ultimately decided on penalties.
Lionel Messi (10) of Argentina celebrates his team’s second goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 7, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Elsa/Getty Images)
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Argentina’s 3-2 comeback on Tuesday booked it a spot in the quarterfinals, where it will face the winner of Switzerland and Colombia on Saturday in Kansas City, Missouri. Switzerland and Colombia were scoreless at halftime in their round of 16 match.
